A strong immune system wards off many ailments, from cancers to colds to influenza. An efficient immune response depends on a balanced network of nutrients, easily achieved from eating healthy foods but elusive in a poor diet. High levels of saturated fat in the body restrict blood flow and block immune cell function. Health experts agree that super foods rich in fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients that sustain the immune system should be part of a regular diet.
Oats
Eating cooked oatmeal or oat bran on a regular basis is a boon to immune system function. Oat fiber has molecules that help immune cells detect bacteria, allowing them to work more quickly in fighting off infection.
Broccoli
Broccoli helps mucous membranes form effective barriers to repel environmental threats to metabolism. Broccoli also contains powerful glusinolates and other compounds linked to cancer prevention.
Blueberries
Blueberries are known for their cancer-fighting nutrients. These tiny foods have earned a reputation as a super food because they also have beneficial effects on cell tissue and digestive and cardiovascular health, which improves immunity.
Green Tea
Green tea has similar properties derived from an antioxidant, catechin, which appears to actively inhibit cancer and bacteria replication. It is also associated with cardiovascular health and kidney and liver protection, all of which boost immunity.
Lentils
Lentils are a true super food known for promoting heart health. Their strong fiber, iron, complex carbohydrate, magnesium, potassium, calcium and zinc content make them excellent, low-fat, nutrient-dense protein sources.
Salmon
Immune cells also need amino acids and the omega-3 fatty acid compounds found in some animal proteins. Sockeye salmon provides these, plus vitamins and minerals essential to metabolic balance. Salmon's beneficial fats lower cholesterol to maintain cardiovascular performance.
Yogurt
Yogurt, made from cow's milk, is another amino acid source. Yogurt also has beneficial bacteria that boost immunity by improving digestive health.
Almonds
Almonds and pumpkin seed kernels offer many of the same gifts to the immune system in convenient small packages. These include beneficial monounsaturated fat, iron, magnesium and protein. Almonds also contain substantial fiber, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin E.
Pumpkins Seeds
Along with iron and magnesium, pumpkin seeds have zinc to boost immunity quickly. High iron content aids cardiovascular efficiency to speed nutrients to their destinations in within the body.
Bran Cereal
Ready-to-eat wheat bran cereals are whole-grain super foods that really do it all. Their fiber content supports cardiovascular health and digestive function; complex carbohydrates provide cellular energy; and their phytonutrient content prevents some forms of cancer.
Member Comments